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We'll help you plan your best summer yet with our annual roundup of can't miss events! Plus we've got a Face the Music interview with vocal powerhouse Josh Groban who is performing in Portland on 6/24. And as always, we'll help you have a terrific weekend with our hand-picked selection of events. Have fun out there!

About The Author

Susan Axelrod

Susan Axelrod's food writing career began in the kitchen; she owned a restaurant and catering business for 15 years before turning to journalism. By day, she is the social media editor for Portland Press Herald. To relax, she bakes, gardens and hikes with her husband and their two dogs, preferably followed by a cocktail or a Maine beer.
Susan can be contacted at 791-6310 or saxelrod@mainetoday.com
On Twitter: @susansaxelrod

One of the cool things about living in, or visiting, Portland is that as amazing as the city is, it’s so easy to escape it — by water. Hopping on a Casco Bay Lines ferry to spend a day on one of the outlying islands can make you feel like you’ve been far, far away.

Whether you go for a bike ride, flop on a beach or wander island trails, you’re bound to get hungry. Here’s a guide to dining options — from places for a quick bite to white-tablecloth restaurants — on Peaks, Chebeague and Great Diamond Islands. All are accessible via Casco Bay Lines.

Peaks Island

The Peaks Island House. Courtesy photo

The Peaks Island House

20 Island Ave. | 207-766-4400 | thepeaksislandhouse.com
Casual, family friendly dining on a large deck just a short distance from the ferry landing, a favorite spot to watch the sunset with a view of the Portland skyline.
Lunch and dinner 7 days

Inn on Peaks Island. Courtesy photo

The Inn on Peaks Island

33 Island Ave. | 207-766-5100 | innonpeaks.com
Popular for weddings, this classic New England Inn has a cozy dining room offering a contemporary American menu with plenty of local seafood. They also brew their own cask-conditioned ale.
Spring hours: Lunch Saturday and Sunday; Dinner Thursday – Saturday. Starting in early June, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily.

Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m daily. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres can be enjoyed on the porch from 2:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. Lunch is served from 11:30am – 2:30pm everyday of the week, except for Sundays, when we serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. – See more at: http://www.chebeagueislandinn.com/dining#sthash.pQ8UJj5p.dpuf

Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m daily. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres can be enjoyed on the porch from 2:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. Lunch is served from 11:30am – 2:30pm everyday of the week, except for Sundays, when we serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. – See more at: http://www.chebeagueislandinn.com/dining#sthash.pQ8UJj5p.dpuf

Calder’s Clam Shack. Courtesy photo

Calder’s Clam Shack

108 North Rd. | 207-846-5046 | caldersclamshack.com
Nothing fancy, no tables, just a place to grab a sandwich or an ice cream cone.
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Slow Bell Cafe. Courtesy photo

Slow Bell Cafe

2 Walker Rd. | 207-846-3078 | chebeague.org/slowbell
Pub food plus a changing, locally sourced dinner menu, accompanied by live music, gives islanders and visitors a place to relax on summer weekends.
Open for dinner Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m. (Call or check the Facebook page for more hours)